MANILA, Philippines - "The President is sensitive to the voice of his boss."
This was the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Wednesday after earlier assuring that the Chief Executive has committed himself to serve only one term.
At a televised press briefing, Lacierda reiterated that many people have come to them and expressed sentiments of their preference for Aquino's term extension.
"Marami po ang nagsasabi gustong magpatuloy si Pangulong Aquino na isa pang termino," Lacierda said. "Nagsabi na si Pangulo ng kanyang preference, pero siyempre, titingnan kung iyon ba ang tinig ng masa, tinig ng kanyang mga boss."
"May mga sariling opinyon, may nagsasabing ipagpatuloy," he added. "Well, the President is sensitive to the voice of his boss, so let's just wait for that."
Lacierda said these "anecdotal" sentiments have reached the President himself, though there have been no serious discussions on the matter considering Aquino's stand on charter change.
Neither were there discussions on what could possibly convince the President to seek re-election.
What is known, Lacierda said, is the President's principle that he pays attention to what Filipinos say.
"The President listens to the voice of his bosses... as a matter of general principle, not specific to any issue," Lacierda said.
The Palace official's statements came after an online petition seeking the re-election of Aquino gained public and media attention.
On Monday, Lacierda denied that the Palace was behind the calls for a term extension. He also categorically denied on Wednesday that public funds will be used to strengthen these calls.
"We are counting down the number of days left under this administration. So it's not coming from us. We're looking forward to the day that we'll be passing on this government to another equally transformative, transparent administration," he said.
Related: Palace: Noy committed to serve one term
Nonetheless, Lacierda said they are very thankful to those who have expressed their preference for another term for Aquino.
The online sentiment for Aquino's re-election rose after he defended himself from critics in an emotional State of the Nation Address last week and amid continuing attacks in connection with the Disbursement Acceleration Program.